Ximena Porres García
Guatemala

"I want to be part of the change and contribute to a more conscious and responsible built environment. This course is my way to truly immerse myself in the world of sustainability and begin making a difference through my career."

Ximena Porres García is an architect from Guatemala. She participated in the online course Circular Economy for a Sustainable Built Environment. Read about her experience.

Why did you choose to enroll in this course/programme?
As a recently graduated architect, I wanted to gain a deeper and more practical understanding of sustainability—especially from a university that actively promotes it. I chose this course because it offers real-life examples and a more focused approach that I felt was missing in my career.

My goal is to start applying these practices in my professional work and bring this knowledge to my country, where sustainability is not yet widely implemented. I want to be part of the change and contribute to a more conscious and responsible built environment. This course is my way to truly immerse myself in the world of sustainability and begin making a difference through my career.

How did/will this course impact your career or life?
This course has been incredibly valuable in expanding my understanding of sustainability beyond traditional concepts, introducing me to circular design strategies and systems thinking in the built environment. It met my need for practical, forward-thinking knowledge that I can directly apply in my architectural work.

By learning from real-world examples and innovative approaches, I now feel more confident to integrate circular principles into my projects—especially in Guatemala, where these practices are still uncommon. It has opened my eyes to new opportunities in sustainable development and helped me position myself as a young professional committed to making a difference.

This course has not only strengthened my technical knowledge but also deepened my motivation to push for more responsible architecture in my country and beyond.

How was your learning experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of this course was the interaction with other participants from around the world. There was an almost endless folder of comments and examples where people shared insights from their countries and cultures. This created a rich knowledge network that went far beyond the course content itself.

It was inspiring to see how circular principles are being explored and adapted in different contexts, and it made me feel part of a global community working toward a more sustainable future. That exchange of ideas was just as valuable as the course material, and it made the learning experience truly meaningful.

If you’d recommend this course to others, tell us why and share any advice for future learners.
Absolutely, I would highly recommend this course. I truly enjoyed it—not only because of the rich content, but also because of the flexibility it offers, allowing you to adapt it to your own schedule.